It is our second reading today which summarizes the ideas brought forth by all the readings: owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
If we spend our time and our energies on really and truly loving one another with the very love of Christ Jesus (who demonstrated quite clearly how it ought to be done): then an amazing reality takes root in us: the reality of the presence of God in a powerful way.
If God IS love (which is a dynamic activity between persons), then, when we love (when we establish that kind of activity of looking out for the welfare of others first) we experience the reality of the presence and power of God himself! We can certainly sense it – and it is remarkable!
Now loving is sometimes easy, and sometimes it is not so easy! It is easy to love those who are already lovable, and fun and easy to be with. Making sacrifices for these kinds of people is not a problem! But what about those who seem UNlovable, who are no fun at all, who are very difficult to be with for any number of reasons? Making sacrifices for these people, and loving them as Jesus himself does sometimes seems like a real problem!
But again, if we remember that in the reading to the Romans St. Paul says: owe nothing to ANYone, except to LOVE ONE ANOTHER – for the one who loves another fulfills the law – then it ought not really matter who that other person is! For, God LOVES US ALL THE SAME! And if he loves us all the same, then we are all lovable and capable of loving one another – although some, it does seem, do their best to make the process difficult both for themselves and for those who are trying to love them, including God!
In the first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel and in the gospel passage both – we have the clear cut desire of God for us to at least try to point out to errant brothers and sisters what seems obviously inconsistent with the laws of God, and the good order set forth by the Church – those things that are not compatible with loving as the sublime spiritual activity that it is!
Yes, we are the "keeper of our brothers and sisters" to a point – to the point of holding a mirror up in front of them (at times, when it is necessary) so they can see their own actions – and hopefully make a prudent decision to alter and change their behavior. When we do this, using all charity, we can help other persons to form and use their consciences correctly! The readings tell us that we have a CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION to do this – for if we don't, then we are just as guilty as they are of their transgressions and will be held accountable!
(Now this does not mean that we have to stand of street corners, preaching; or go on a crusade against immorality – but it does mean, in the ordinary course of our daily lives, if the opportunity presents itself to help a fellow human being see things more clearly and truthfully, then we have the obligation to offer them what we know of God and his ways (ways that are objective and true) ways that works for us, in particular!)
But, since the person has the freedom of will and choice to decide not to take heed of our suggestions and counsel, once we have presented our observations – then it is up to them to act on them – and we are free from responsibility for them – except for the responsibility to keep praying for them and loving them in as many ways that would still apply!
Jesus tells us in the gospel passage: where two or three are gathered in his name he is there – and their prayer – asked for in faith, and guided by the Holy Spirit – will be answered for the welfare of all others – and for themselves!
And so, if today we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts; if today we hear his voice: let us LOVE – AS WE ARE BEING LOVED, RIGHT NOW, this very minute!
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